Bailey Says He'll Take Marshall Under His Wing

By AP&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Wed 3:35 PM, Mar 26, 2008

All Pro cornerback Champ Bailey said Tuesday he will step up to mentor beleaguered wide receiver Brandon Marshall in the aftermath of a freak accident that will keep Marshall from working out for four months.

All-Pro Rod Smith mentored Marshall in his first two seasons, but Smith is on injured retirement. Bailey said he's willing to assume the role of big brother for Marshall, a third-year pro who caught 102 passes for 1,325 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

Marshall said he was roughhousing with family members on Saturday when he slipped on a fast-food bag and put his right arm through a home entertainment center. The Broncos confirmed Tuesday that Marshall lacerated an artery, a vein, a nerve, two tendons and three muscles in his right forearm.

He underwent surgery and could miss up to four months of offseason preparations while he heals.

"I think as a group we can definitely make sure he does his thing," Bailey said. "It's crazy something like this can happen."

"We know what he means to this team and we are going to need him," Bailey said. "I just hope we do everything in our power as a team to get him back healthy and ready for the season."

Bailey was more excited about Denver's recent signing of his younger brother, Boss, to a five-year, $17.5 million deal.

"He brings athleticism, he'll make some plays and that's big for us," Champ Bailey said. "He a guy that is definitely accountable."

Boss Bailey spent his first five seasons in Detroit after being selected in the second round of the 2003 draft. He had a standout career at the University of Georgia, where he followed his older brother as an all-conference selection.

The 28-year-old linebacker has appeared in 58 games, including 51 starts, and has made 258 tackles, seven sacks and two interceptions. Last season, he had a career-best 3 1/2 sacks and 47 tackles in 15 games.

"They didn't use him right in Detroit," Champ Bailey said. "We're going to use him right here. I'll make sure of that."

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